US to send high-tech trade mission to India

WASHINGTON - With the expected easing of US export controls, US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke plans to lead a high-tech trade mission to India in February to promote the export of high-technology products from leading US firms.

The Feb 6-11, 2011 business development mission will make stops in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, according to the US commerce department.

Announcing the mission at the US-India Business and Entrepreneurship Summit in Mumbai Saturday, Locke said: “Exports are leading the US economic recovery, spurring future economic growth and creating jobs in America.”

“Increasing trade between the US and India will help drive innovation and create jobs in both countries. As trading partners, US companies can help India meet the ambitious economic and social goals laid out by its government, while the Indian market holds enormous potential for US exporters.”

The trade mission will highlight export opportunities for US businesses in a broad range of advanced industrial sectors, including civil-nuclear trade, defence and security, civil aviation, and information and communication, the department said.

The India business development mission will help build on the exporting success US companies have had in 2010 - up nearly 18 percent compared to the same period last year.

It will be Locke’s second trade mission as Commerce secretary. In May, he led a clean energy business development mission to China and Indonesia.